Buddhism is broadly divided into three classifications: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana.
Tibetan Buddhism overlaps the Mahayana and Vajrayana forms of Buddhism.
And it is further divided into two sub-sects: Red hat (Nyingma) and Yellow hat (Geluk).
Geluk is the dominant sect in Tibet and was founded in the 14th century by Tsongkhapa.
Tsongkhapa enforced strict discipline, prohibited marriage, alcohol & meat, and established a higher standard of learning for monks.
The Geluk sect believes that Dalai Lamas (the successors of Tsongkhapa) were conceived as Tsongkhapa’s rebirths.
So, while the ultimate objective of Buddhism is boddhisatva, i.e., to become Buddha and achieve nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), the Geluk order stands for one delaying one’s Buddhahood until one has helped every person to achieve their nirvana.
This is called compassionate Boddhistava or Avalokiteshvara, and can be achieved by rebirth for experiencing the suffering of the world and helping other beings attain enlightenment.
The Dalai Lama is found rather than chosen and the search is done by seniors in the Geluk tradition and the Tibetan government.
The search is generally limited to Tibet,However, the current Dalai Lama has said that there is a chance that he will not be reborn and that if he is, it will not be in a country under Chinese rule. and may take several years.
To start, the seniors may have a vision or a dream—if the previous Lama was cremated, they watch the direction of the smoke to indicate the direction of birth.
They often meditate at Lhamo La-Tso, central Tibet’s holy lake, and wait for a vision or indication.
When a boy is found, he is given tests to ensure he is the right choice, e.g., showing the boy several items to check if he can select those which belonged to the previous Dalai Lama.
If only one boy is found, the seniors confirm their findings to religious leaders and the central government.
If more than one boy is found, a public lot is drawn by officials and monks.
The current Dalai Lama (real name Tenzin Gyatso) is the 14th Dalai Lama, and he was recognised as Dalai Lama at the age of 4.
China says the next Dalai Lama will be appointed by China.
